Caitlyn Jenner does not think the Halloween costume based on her Vanity Fair cover is “offensive at all.”
After opening up to “Today” anchor Matt Lauer about the fatal Malibu car crash that could land her in jail, as well as addressing criticism she received for being honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs earlier this year, the “I Am Cait” star was delighted at the thought of people dressing up like her next month.
“I’m in on the joke. I don’t think it’s offensive at all,” Jenner said during the interview NBC aired Wednesday. “I know the community does, and [the costume companies] have gotten a lot of criticism for doing it. I think it’s great. To be honest with you, I think it’s great — except they could have a better looking outfit.”
Jenner’s reaction to the unisex costume is a stark contrast to the outrage that erupted on social media last month when the public caught wind of the outfit some called “transphobic.”
“There’s no tasteful way to ‘celebrate’ Caitlyn Jenner or respect transgender people this way on the one night of the year when people use their most twisted imaginations to pretend to be villains and monsters,” the National Center for Transgender Equality said in a statement.
GLAAD added: “When transgender women step out into the world as their authentic selves, they aren’t wearing a costume. Companies should think twice before seeking to profit from mocking trans women.”
Jenner has become a cultural icon since revealing her transition from the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” dad TV viewers had been used to, and argues that “life’s too short” to get up in arms about “that type of stuff.”
“You have a good sense of humor about yourself. Do you think it’s funny when others crack jokes about you?” Lauer asked.
“There is a fine line,” Jenner said. “Back in the old days when the media — and all the rumors were out — and the media was destroying me, it was extraordinarily hurtful to me, to my family.”
Jenner pointed out late-night comedians, in particular, for making “disparaging jokes,” but said the gags have become more respectful since she came out as a transgender female during an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer.
The Transformation of Caitlyn Jenner: From Olympic Gold Medalist to Vanity Fair Trans Cover Star (Photos)
Caitlyn was born Bruce Jenner was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a football scholarship to Graceland College, but a knee injury stopped her from pursuing it. Then, she veered towards decathlon and graduated in 1973 with a degree in physical education.
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
At the Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, in 1976, Jenner placed first in the decathlon, setting the world record of 8,616 points and seen here crossing the finish line.
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
In 1976, Jenner was awarded the James E. Sullivan award presented to the "outstanding amateur athlete in the United States."
Where are they now – Bruce Jenner by Fan Fuego
Jenner speaking at the 2001 Service America Awards Presentation Ceremony on June 11.
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Jenner took part in the Celebrities Race to Make Dreams Come True in August 23, 2003.
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Jenner and her two daughters, Kendall and Kyle, at the film premiere of the "Teacher's Pet" on January 12, 2004.
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Jenner and now ex-wife Kris at the HollyRods Designcure 7th Annual Benefit on July 9, 2005.
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Jenner at the 2006 ESPY Awards on July 12.
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Jenner and family at the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" premiere on Oct. 9, 2007.
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Jenner and family at the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" Season 2 Launch on March 19, 2008.
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Jenner attended the event where Lamar Odom launched Rich Soil at Kitson LA on October 21, 2009.
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Jenner and ex-wife Kris at the Endless Youth & Life Store Opening Celebration, November 11, 2010.
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Jenner with ex-wife Kris at the City of Hope Honors Shelli and Irving Azoff with the 2011 Spirit of Life Award event on May 7, 2011.
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Jenner at the 5th Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on May 7, 2012.
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Jenner at the Annual Charity Day Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC on September 11, 2013. Here, Jenner looks younger, and is sporting a longer hair do.
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At the time, this was one of the most highly-talked about photos of Jenner, taken in January of 2014. Here, she was seen wearing a bandage around her throat, which many speculated was because she had her Adam's apple reduced.
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Jenner at the 13th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala on April 4, 2014.
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The former Olympian introduced herself as Caitlyn Jenner in an exclusive cover shoot for the July 2015 issue of Vanity Fair magazine.
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The athlete formerly known as Bruce underwent dramatic changes to both her public image and physical appearance leading up to the announcement of her transition
Caitlyn was born Bruce Jenner was born on October 28, 1949 in Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a football scholarship to Graceland College, but a knee injury stopped her from pursuing it. Then, she veered towards decathlon and graduated in 1973 with a degree in physical education.